Member-only story
Just as might does not make right, neither does title.
Sometime back I was shooting the breeze with someone whom I can only describe as my senior. Our conversation turned to a topic that I had extensive and intimate knowledge of because of my previous work experience.
As I shared my view, he abruptly and forcibly rejected my perspective — even though he possessed none of the insights I had on the topic. As the conversation continued and I tried to explain my view, it became clear that he believed that his view on the topic was superior to mine simply because he was my senior and that I should shut up and accept it.
I share this experience as a reminder for leaders not to equate their titles with having the correct answers or the superior perspective. In a complex world, it is impossible for a leader to know all the answers. Diversity of experience is therefore an important ingredient in effective collective decision-making.
Effective leaders: (a) are aware that their title does not make them right; (b) accept that there will be others who will know more than them; and (c) know when to step back and rely on the knowledge and experience of others in the team.
